Can I Drink Tap Water in Chile?
Safe
Quick Answer
Tap water in Chile is generally safe to drink in normal conditions.
Tap water in Chile is generally safe to drink in normal conditions. World Bank 2024/2024 estimates indicate about 97.8% safely managed drinking water services and 99.1% basic drinking water access. Tap water in Chile is generally safe for drinking, brushing teeth, and ice in normal conditions. Check local advisories during rare utility incidents, and be more cautious in very old buildings or immediately after service disruptions.
Water Quality Details
Country-level drinking-water infrastructure and regulation in Chile are generally strong, though local advisories can still occur after maintenance or contamination incidents. World Bank 2024/2024 estimates indicate about 97.8% safely managed drinking water services and 99.1% basic drinking water access. Traveler concerns are usually related to older building plumbing, taste, or temporary boil-water notices rather than nationwide system failure. UK FCDO travel health guidance supports taking routine food-and-water precautions and checking current conditions before and during travel. Checking current local utility or accommodation guidance remains a good habit, especially in rural areas or after storms.
Water sourceMixed sources
TreatmentFiltration, Chlorination, UV Treatment
HardnessModerate
TDS190 ppm
Taste rating4/5
Taste notesgenerally good municipal water quality · regional mineral variation is possible · older building plumbing can affect taste
Contaminant Data
Practical Tips
🧊 Ice is safe
🪧 Brushing teeth safe
🍽 Restaurant water safe
🔥 Boiling not needed
💧 No filter needed
- Tap water is generally safe in normal conditions
- Check local utility or hotel notices during rare service incidents
- Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking in older buildings
- Flush water briefly if the tap has been unused for long periods
Bottled water~$1.1 USD (Everywhere)
Traveler Advice
Risk level: Low
Diarrhea risk: Low
Tap water in Chile is generally safe for drinking, brushing teeth, and ice in normal conditions. Check local advisories during rare utility incidents, and be more cautious in very old buildings or immediately after service disruptions.
Most travelers can use tap water in Chile without issues in normal conditions; practical concerns are usually local advisories or older plumbing.
- Chile tap water is generally safe in normal conditions
- Check local advisories during rare utility incidents
- Use only cold tap water for drinking/cooking in older buildings
Sources & References
Official Report
Data confidence: Medium
Last updated: 2026-02-23